Nifty News

Faithful Followers

Saturday, June 20, 2009

My friend Margaret McSweeney is the inspiration behind the book, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. Margaret is one of those incredible people who just blesses everyone fortunate enough to meet her. And if you so much as ride in an elevator with her, you WILL meet her. She's one of those outgoing people who is just full of joy! Anyway, she has assembled some of the best female Christian writers on the planet to add their wisdom to this amazingly inspirational book. You'll find stories from Debbie Macomber, Shaunti Feldhahn, Melody Carlson, Robin Jones Gunn, and many, many others! For some reason she asked me to contribute also.

This book, I'm certain, will bless the lives of the people who read it, but not only that, it's going to bless a whole lotta people near and far because all proceeds are being donated to two charities. One is Hands of Hope - "Hands of Hope is a community of women helping women and children in crisis, with a current focus on Africa." The other is Wings (Women in Need Growing Stronger) - "WINGS helps homeless and abused women and children by offering integrated services that meet their needs for shelter, education, guidance and support."

I was fortunate enough to meet Rebecca Darr, the Executive Director of Wings and later was given a tour of one of Wings' safe houses this past winter. I was surprised at not only how nice the house was, but at the services offered. Wings does not just provide a safe place to stay for women and children escaping domestic violence. It provides education, and help in finding employment. Wings doesn't kick the women and children out of the safe house after a couple weeks or months and leave them to fend for themselves either. They find them housing and continue to work alongside them.

Rebecca is on the far left

This book contains over 60 essays from some of the awesomest writers. (Yes, it's a word!) I know you'll find it inspiring! Get a copy for yourself and all the wonderful women in your lives. It's not only a book that will bless you, but it'll bless the lives of women and children struggling to survive in Africa and women and children fleeing from domestic violence here in the Chicago suburbs. You can get a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace HERE.

I have a copy of Pearl Girls to give away! Leave me a comment here, and I'll choose a random winner on Wednesday. Good luck!

WINGS is a fantastic organization - I met Rebecca years ago, when as President of the Chicago Northwest Suburban Chapter of the CPCU Society became involved and provided some support to one of the WINGS homes. WINGS does a fantastic job, and Rebecca Darr is a fine woman. I moved away, and often wonder how the organization is doing. Glad to hear they appear to be thriving.

Now I have a ? (Maybe SSO?) Every time I load your page and see the "About Dawn" section and it reads "I'm a 30-something year oldstay-at-home mom of 3 girlsand 3 boys. The original BradyBunch (without Alice!)"I ALWAYS wonder if people think you and Joe are on marriage #2, that he had the boys and you had the girls etc. like the atual Brady Bunch. Of couse I know that is not true, but have any other "first time" readers thought that? Just wondering...I have wanted to ask this ? for sooo long, but always felt dumb asking it. Oh and Happy Father's Day to Joe!

I am so excited to read the book! It sounds like a work of art. I think it is amazing that all proceeds are being donated to two wonderful charities. That alone tells me how wonderful this book actually is. You are so kind and giving, and I am sure that shows in the book too! Congrats! This seems to me as if It will be one of those perfect summer reads! Thank you for the excitement in looking forward to it!!!

Anyway, I just found out about this Kids' Restaurant Week in Chicago! I can't believe I'm missing this! I have a 2 year old daughter I haven't brought with me to Chicago yet, because I just didn't think she'd have any fun at the restaurants. This would be the perfect introduction for her. I also thought about you being able to take you kids and not have to get yet another mortgage - KIDS PAY THEIR AGES! MOMMIES AND DADDIES ARE ONLY $29 each!

Very cool -- congrats on being asked to contribute. What did you write your essay on?

And WINGS, oh such a great organization! I have never volunteered there (shame on me) but a good friend of mine did once a month and had such great stories after each time. Definitely a worthwhile organization!

This sounds like an absolutely wonderful book - and I could use some inspiration in my life - too much negative energy lately, we could use a turn around. (sorry left a comment before but forgot to leave my name) Jo-Ann B, Westbank, BC